Building a Shed in Sedro-Woolley? Here's What You Need to Know

Sedro-Woolley is an eastern Skagit County city along the Skagit River, known as the "Gateway to the North Cascades." Accessory buildings can reach up to 20 feet in height — taller than most cities in the region — with 5-foot side and rear setbacks. Maximum lot coverage is 35%. The city adopts the 2018 IRC, which exempts one-story accessory structures under 120 square feet from building permits. Here's what the Sedro-Woolley Municipal Code says.

Building Codes & Permits in Sedro-Woolley

Shed Permit RulesCity of Sedro-Woolley
Max Shed Size (No Permit)120 sq ft (per 2018 IRC as adopted)
Max Shed Height (Overall)20 ft for accessory buildings
Setbacks (Side)5 ft for one-story accessory structures
Setbacks (Rear)5 ft for accessory structures
Setbacks (Front)20 ft (all structures)
Max Lot Coverage35%

Sedro-Woolley adopts the 2018 IRC and IBC. The 120 sq ft threshold is the state standard per WAC 51-16-080.

Lot coverage variance may be available if proposed coverage doesn't exceed the average of neighboring properties within 100 feet.

From the Municipal Code

Maximum building height: twenty feet for accessory buildings. One-story dwellings and accessory structures shall have a minimum of five feet on the side. Rear setback: five for accessory.

SWMC 17.08.020 — Accessory Building Height and Setbacks (R-5)

Maximum lot coverage is 35% overall, with variance provisions available if the proposed coverage does not exceed the average of neighboring properties within 100 feet.

SWMC 17.08.050 — Maximum Lot Coverage

What You Need to Know

  • 20 ft height limit (SWMC 17.08.020): Accessory buildings can go up to 20 feet — higher than Bellingham (12 ft), Ferndale (12 ft), and most other cities in the region. This is great for taller storage or workshop-style sheds.
  • 5 ft setbacks (SWMC 17.08.020): One-story accessory structures require 5 ft on both sides and rear. Front setback is 20 ft for all structures.
  • 35% lot coverage (SWMC 17.08.050): Maximum lot coverage is 35%. A variance may be available if your proposed coverage doesn't exceed the average of neighboring properties within 100 feet.
  • Outside city limits? If your property is in unincorporated Skagit County rather than within Sedro-Woolley city limits, Skagit County rules apply instead.
  • Utilities: Even if the structure is exempt, any electrical or plumbing work requires a separate trade permit.

Have questions about permits or zoning? We don't have all the answers, but we deal with this stuff regularly and can usually help you figure it out. Reach out with your address and we'll point you in the right direction.

Building codes and permit requirements are subject to change. Contact your local building department to verify current regulations before beginning your project.

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